BOSTON —The Massachusetts state Senate on Thursday approved a conference committee report of the State Legislature’s transportation bond bill supporting the South Coast Rail project and mitigation as well as important infrastructure design, construction and upgrades in the First Plymouth and Bristol District, according to a press release from the office of State Sen. Marc R. Pacheco (D-Taunton) .

The $12.7 billion transportation bond bill, which dedicates capital spending over the next five years to fund improvements to the statewide transportation system, includes $2.3 billion for South Coast Rail improvements and creates a $100 million mitigation program for communities impacted by the project, according to Pacheco.

The bond bill will help meet Southeastern Massachusetts meet several infrastructure needs as it dedicates:

· $750,000 for the reconstruction of sidewalks on High Street in Taunton to meet ADA compliance,

· $500,000 for repairs and reconstruction to Oak Street Bridge in Bridgewater,

· $80,000 for initial design and permit scoping for a commuter rail station in Wareham,

· $20,000 for the design and production of way-finding and welcome signs in Middleboro,

· $300 million for Chapter 90 local road projects.

“I am pleased this transportation bond bill will allow South Coast Rail to continue chugging along while it also invests in projects that will help constituents move throughout the region,” Pacheco said. “I will continue to fight for a commuter rail line to Southeastern Massachusetts and other transportation solutions that will promote economic growth, stir job creation and enhance the quality of life in our region.”